Applicants to UConn's DNP online degree program must have completed a baccalaureate degree in nursing or higher from a regionally accredited college or university. The DNP online degrees are not approved for students residing outside of the United States.
To apply for admission to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, complete the online application process using the link below.
Application Process
Applications will be evaluated upon receipt of all required documentation (rolling admission):
- A written response to the following:
- Why have you decided to pursue this degree? What are your plans for the future?
- What are your career interests and goals? Address your reasons for pursuing advanced practice nursing, your reason for selecting the specialty track (if applicable), and your goals upon graduation.
- Why are you applying to UConn?
- Three letters of reference.
- Academic (1 letter): A professor, faculty member, or academic advisor (who can provide meaningful input regarding your academic record and aptitude for demanding graduate course work)
- Should no faculty who knew you be available at your school of nursing, please contact the dean's office there for assistance with obtaining an academic reference. References from coworkers employed at an academic medical center do not meet the requirement for an academic reference, but we welcome those letters as professional references. Note: A nurse educator/clinical nurse specialist does not count toward an academic reference, as they address staff development, not academic potential.
- Professional (2 letters): to address abilities, character and accomplishments in nursing as well as potential for leadership and advancing practice, service, research or teaching in the chosen field.
- One Each:
- A clinical supervisor or nurse manager (who directly supervised you in a clinical setting.
- A practicing advanced practice nurse (APRN) or physician who has served as a mentor or whom you have shadowed (preferably in the APRN specialty to which you are applying).
- One Each:
- Academic (1 letter): A professor, faculty member, or academic advisor (who can provide meaningful input regarding your academic record and aptitude for demanding graduate course work)
- Current resume (uploaded).
- Unofficial transcript(s) for all undergraduate and graduate coursework (uploaded).
- An uploaded verification of RN direct patient care hours form for 2080 hours completed prior to application (THIS REQUIREMENT IS ONLY FOR THOSE APPLYING TO A BS-DNP TRACK).
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is required.
- If you use the results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), you must have a minimum overall score of 550 for the paper-based test or 79 for the internet-based test. If you use the results from the Duolingo test, you must have a minimum overall score of 100 or higher.
- The GRE and Residence Affidavit are not required.
- Fields marked with a red asterisk (*) on the application are required fields.
Applications are evaluated as soon as the student’s file is complete.
BS-MS (BS to DNP Option)
For BS-MS applicants, when completing the application form, under the Intended Program tab select:
- Levels of Study: Masters
- Academic Areas: Health
- Program: Nursing MS
- Concentration: Select your desired concentration or choose "None"
- Campus: Storrs
DNP (MS to DNP)
For BS-DNP applicants, when completing the application form, under the Intended Program tab select:
- Levels of Study: PhD/Doctoral
- Academic Areas: Health
- Program: Nursing BS-DNP
- Campus: Storrs
Post-Graduate
For Post-Graduate APRN Certificate applicants, when completing the application form, under the Intended Program tab select:
- Levels of Study: PhD/Doctoral
- Academic Areas: Health
- Program: DNP Program
- Concentration: Select your desired concentration
- Campus: Storrs
Important Deadlines
The Post-Bachelor's to DNP application deadline differs based on which MS track a student is considering. Please visit the master's track websites for up to date deadlines. The Post-Master's to DNP option accepts students in either the fall, spring, or summer semesters. Please submit materials no later than July 13 to begin the following fall semester; December 1 for the following spring semester; and April 15 for the following summer semester.
Applications submitted after the designated deadline will be considered on a space available basis until enrollment caps are reached, or, considered for admission to the following semester. Upon acceptance, a $1000 non-refundable deposit toward your tuition will be required prior to course registration, as well as, electronic or hard copy submission of official transcripts.
If you have any questions on how to use the online application system, please contact The Graduate School at 860-486-3617.
International Students: This program is a part-time or full-time and online program. Pursuant to U.S. immigration regulations, the University of Connecticut may not sponsor F-1 and J-1 visas for the purpose of coming to the U.S. for enrollment in this program. International students may enroll in this program if they are currently in the U.S. in another visa status that permits foreign nationals to engage in school enrollment while meeting their primary visa objective.